Chapter 276 Elara’s eyes widened in disbelief. Was Jacob seriously pulling a fast one right in front of everyone? It was clear as day that Helen had made a beeline for Garrick! And he called that poor eyesight? Elara had never encountered a supposedly visually impaired elderly person who could point out a loose thread on her embroidered blouse first thing in the morning. She even noticed a piece of fried chicken that had been double–dipped in sauce, and then went on a tirade, dragging the entire Pollack family through the mud. Jacob, with all sincerity, said, “Garrick, this is like a storm in a teacup. Let me cover all your expenses at our resort as an apology.” Garrick, looking slightly recovered, barely opening his eyes to look at Jacob. “So, you’re saying your mom’s got bad eyesight?” “It’s not just bad eyesight; my mom… she’s blind!” Jacob pinched himself hard, managing to squeeze out a few tears. Garrick was taken aback. They were all from the same social circle – how had he never heard anything about Helen going blind? Garrick frowned, straightening up. “When did this happen?” “My mom’s been in a nursing home for the past few years because of her declining eyesight. She didn’t want to come back and make us sad…” Elara lowered her head, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh and biting her tongue in the process. From Garrick’s perspective, it looked like she was sobbing, her shoulders shaking. He was somewhat convinced but still dubious. After all, someone had kicked him squarely in the back, and that aim didn’t seem like it came from poor eyesight. “Fine, if her eyesight is poor, she probably shouldn’t be fishing. Let’s consider the matter closed.” “Ah, Garrick, always the bigger man! I’ll make sure my mom apologizes to you!” “No need, she’s old. Let her rest up. You can leave now. I need some time to relax.” After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Jacob and Elara left the room. After closing the door, Elara turned around and embraced Noella as she approached, burying her head in Noella’s shoulder and laughing uncontrollably. She just realized how adept Jacob was at spinning tales! Jacob, dead serious, replied, “Leading a research institute requires bending the truth now and then. You’ll get the hang of it too.” Elara, face flushed with laughter, said, “What if Garrick finds out Grandma isn’t actually blind?” Jacob shrugged nonchalantly. “Dr. Calvin is a miracle worker. Since returning home, with you and Noella by your grandma’s side, her spirits have been lifted, and she can see again. A medical marvel, right?” Besides, it’s not likely Garrick and Helen would cross paths again. Even if Garrick did find out Helen intentionally kicked him, he’d have nowhere to start. Jacob seemed quite used to this kind of talk. Elara raised an eyebrow. “You know, I’m starting to find you less annoying!” She always found Jacob’s calm and composed demeanor off–putting, feeling like she couldn’t relate to him at all. To her surprise, Jacob cracked a smile! Noella hadn’t expected Jacob to have such a playful side. A voice of surprise came from the next room. “Noella, is that you?” Briony Lambert stood at the doorway in her simple white dress, now faded from washing. It was the same dress she wore the day Noella left the Lambert family. She appeared somewhat uncomfortable as she gazed at Noella, who seemed to shine like a star among them. Noella, draped in an oversized cardigan over a snug dress, looked every bit the part of an exquisite doll. Her demeanor was queenly and aloof, a stark contrast to Briony’s appearance. Briony had managed to persuade Luther to bring her to the Pollack family estate, a preferred spot for Larson’s business dealings. Seeing the radiant Noella and the tall, refined man by her side, Briony felt a twinge of envy. 09.57 The last time she was at the Pollack Manor, she had also seen this man, always by Noella’s side. A quick search revealed that this man was none other than the head of the Pollack Group, a billionaire with a global business empire. His wealth was beyond measure, and his commanding presence and handsome features could make any woman swoon. Seeing him, Briony’s heart skipped a beat! Larson had been scheming to wrest control of the Pollack family’s assets from Palmer. Why did Noella get to be with such a man? First Beckett, now the CEO of the Pollack Group. How did Noella get so lucky? She must have used some underhanded tactics. As Briony’s thoughts twisted in jealousy, she stepped forward. “Noella, are you working as a cleaner here? If you’re struggling, you can tell me. There’s no need to have visited the OB–GYN before…” If Palmer found out about Noella’s scandalous personal life, he would surely leave her! Before she could finish, Yvonne Gruber emerged, her gaze locking onto Palmer, her eyes lighting up with hope. “Mr. Pollack, please, you have to help me. I don’t want to go to jail.” Elara frowned at the unfolding drama. “Yvonne, still strutting around? Have you become so down and out that you’re sharing a room with others now? Or is there some secret hobby you’re not telling us about?” Elara’s eyes landed on Briony, who was laying it on thick. “Maybe you should treat yourself to something decent for once. This… here’s to your success.” It was a blatant insult! Tears welled up in Yvonne’s eyes. “Elara, why would you say such a thing? I had nothing to do with the incident involving Stirling; I swear I was framed! It must be that country bumpkin. It’s all because Noella is jealous of me!” Noella raised an eyebrow in disdain. “What’s there for me to be jealous of? Your knack for bullying at school, or buying dirt to harm the Schnabel family? And the stunt you pulled with Beckett’s girlfriend? He knows all about it, so you better watch yourself.” Yvonne started to panic! How could that country bumpkin know about those old stories? Back then, Yvonne had truly wanted to marry Beckett as soon as she came of age, aiming to smoothly inherit the Schnabel family fortune. However, Beckett had never given her a second glance. “I… I only had Beckett’s best interests at heart. That woman was only after his money! I didn’t mean any harm!” Noella sneered, “Oh, so it’s not about the money for you? But what you want is the entire Schnabel family fortune, isn’t it?” Yvonne’s gaze shifted, betraying her true intentions. Gritting her teeth, she turned to Palmer. “Mr. Pollack, I have something very important to tell you- something that will make you regret your engagement to Noella. My grandma told me, and it’s the absolute truth! You have to believe me!” Palmer gave her a brief glance and nodded. “I see. But I’m not interested in listening to barking dogs. Now, if you’d kindly leave!”